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The 14 College Interview Questions You Must Prepare For

The college interview process can be nerve-racking. This interview gives the college you're applying to
another opportunity to evaluate you and help determine whether or not to offer you admission.
However, your college interviews won't be nearly as scary if you know what to expect.

In this article, I give you the 14 college interview questions you absolutely must prepare for. I explain
why you're being asked these questions and how to provide great answers. Furthermore, I offer advice
on how to prepare for your interviews so that when the time comes, you'll be ready to ace them.

A Short Introduction to College Interviews

A college interview provides a college with an opportunity to give you more information about the
school and answer any questions. In addition, the interview gives the college a chance to learn more
about you, your interests, and how you'll be able to contribute to the school.

Very few colleges require interviews, although a fair number offer optional or recommended ones.
These are typically highly selective or small private colleges, such as Columbia, Occidental, and Bates.
Most large public universities don't even offer interviews because there are simply too many applicants.

Check a college's website or contact its admissions office to determine whether interviews are offered
and how to schedule one. Interviews can be on-campus, usually with an admissions representative, or
off-campus near where you live, usually with an alumnus of the college.

If you have the option of getting interviewed, do it. It's to your benefit to take advantage of an
opportunity to interview because it shows the school that you're genuinely interested in attending. And
demonstrating interest can greatly help your chances of admission. Finally, the interview gives the
school another chance to get to know you outside of what's in your application.

Try not to stress about the interview too much, though. As long as you're polite, attentive, and
prepared, it should only help your chances of getting accepted. The interview will also give you an
opportunity to learn more about the school, and help you decide whether or not it might be a good fit
for you.

The 14 Most Common College Interview Questions

The questions I'm listing and explaining were either referenced in multiple admissions websites and
interview advice guides, or are general enough that you'll be able to answer a number of similar
questions by preparing for them.

Below, I provide you with each question. I then explain why colleges are asking it, what they're looking
for in a response, and how you can prepare for the question ahead of time.
Question 1: Tell Me about Yourself

This isn't even actually a question, but it's something you might be asked to do in an interview. Because
it's so general, you might have trouble figuring out where to begin.

Why they're asking this: Colleges are asking you to do this because they really do want to know more
about you. That's one of the primary purposes of the interview, after all!

What they're looking for: You need to paint a unique portrait of who you are to separate yourself from
other applicants. Avoid clichés or descriptions that would be too common. For example, don't just say
you're hardworking — explain what has driven you to become as diligent as you are and why you feel it
is important.

How to prepare: Rehearse answering this question. Try talking about your passions, hobbies, and
interests. You can discuss what inspires you or what your friends like about you. Be specific. Again, you
want to make yourself memorable.

Question 2: Why Are You Interested In This College?

Why they're asking this: This is an important question and one you should definitely prepare for, since
colleges want to see that you're taking the application process seriously and have a legitimate interest in
attending the school.

What they're looking for: Talk about your interest in a major or academic program, the cultural values
of the school, or extracurricular activities that drew you to the college. Again, be thorough and specific.
Don't talk about prestige or rankings, and don't say you just want to go there because it's close to home;
none of this shows genuine interest in this specific college!

How to prepare: To answer this question well, you'll need to conduct extensive college research before
the interview. You should be able to cite specifics when answering this question. Follow the same advice
as if you were writing the answer to this question for your application essay.

Question 3: Why Do You Want to Major in _____?

If you've indicated that you want to major in a certain subject, you might be asked why you're interested
in that particular field.

Why they're asking this: Colleges are interested in your academic goals and want to see that you're
academically inclined.

What they're looking for: Talk about why a certain subject inspires you or why you're passionate about
it. Don't say that you're pursuing a certain major to make a lot of money or have job security. That
doesn't demonstrate genuine academic interest; it just makes you seem shallow.
How to prepare: Think deeply about why you want to pursue a specific major. Why do you find it
fascinating? What experiences provoked your interest in the subject? How will the major enable you to
reach your future professional goals?

Question 4: What Are Your Academic Strengths?

Why they're asking this: In an effort to get to know you as a student, colleges are interested in getting
your perspective on where you excel academically.

What they're looking for: Don't make this answer too short. Don't just say, "I'm good at science." When
discussing your academic strengths, explain how you've capitalized on your strengths. If you're an
excellent writer, for example, how have you used your writing skills to excel in school? How do you plan
on continuing to use your strengths?

How to prepare: Make sure you know your academic strengths. You should be able to explain how you
recognized your strengths, how you're currently using them, and how you plan to use them in the
future.

Question 5: What Are Your Academic Weaknesses? How Have You Addressed Them?

Why they're asking this: Colleges want to admit good students, but they're aware everyone has
strengths and weaknesses. Colleges want to see that you have the persistence and work ethic to
succeed despite your challenges.

What they're looking for: Schools want students who can demonstrate their ability to confront and
overcome challenges. Try revealing strategies or specific approaches you've taken to improve your
academic weaknesses. You could also tell a specific story about how you managed to do well in a subject
that was especially difficult for you.

How to prepare: Be aware of your academic weaknesses and how you've addressed them. It's not good
to say that you don't have any weaknesses. That's not very believable, and you'll come off as arrogant.

Question 6: What Do You Plan to Contribute to This School?

Why they're asking this: Colleges want to admit students who will make positive contributions to
campus and academic life. Essentially, they're looking for students who will make the school better.

What they're looking for: In short, specifics. Don't limit your answer to vague positive traits. Don't just
say you'll contribute a good work ethic and a regard for others. Is there specific research you wish to
pursue? Do you want to have a leadership position in an extracurricular activity? Are there specific
community service projects you want to do? How will your presence on campus and in the classroom
make a difference?

How to prepare: Know the specific contributions you want to make to the school. Identify your college
goals as well as the activities you want to pursue while you're in college.
Question 7: What Do You Expect to Be Doing 10 Years From Now?

Why they're asking this: Just to set the record straight, you don't need to have your entire future
figured out. Colleges understand that you probably won't have everything decided and your plans are
likely to change. What they do want is students with direction.

What they're looking for: Colleges want students who are motivated to achieve their goals. The bad,
general answer is to only say you expect to have a fulfilling career and be making a positive impact on
the world. What are some specific activities you'd like to do? How do you plan on impacting the world?
You don't have to limit your plans to professional goals. Do you want to take your mom on a vacation?
Or have weekly gatherings with your best friends from high school?

How to prepare: You can write down some detailed notes answering this question. Paint a picture of the
life you want to have in 10 years. That picture should reveal your uniqueness.

Question 8: What Would You Change About Your High School?

Why they're asking this: With this question, colleges are looking for your ability to identify problems
and get a better understanding of what you're looking for in a school. By learning what you'd change,
they get a chance to learn more about what matters to you.

What they're looking for: Colleges want a thoughtful response. Be specific and respectful. Don't say, "I'd
get better teachers." Say that you'd allocate more resources to the music department so that more
students can have the opportunity to learn how to play new instruments. Discuss how learning an
instrument helped you, and describe the current state of the music department. Try to make it clear
that you want to improve your school to benefit the personal and academic growth of all of its students.

How to prepare: Think about the strengths and weaknesses of your high school. What are some specific
problems it has? What are the consequences of those problems? What steps would you take to make
improvements?

Question 9: Whom Do You Most Admire?

Why they're asking this: From this question, colleges can get a sense of your values. If the person you
most admire is Justin Bieber, for example, colleges might wonder about your priorities.

What they're looking for: Don't limit your answer just to naming the person. Why do you admire that
person? For instance, many people say that the person they most admire is a parent. But what
specifically has that parent done that you admire so much? In short, don't forget the details.

How to prepare: Think deeply about your response to this question. If the person you admire is
somebody you know, practice by giving your answer to that person. You'll know you've answered the
question well if you're rewarded with a hug or even a few tears from your audience.

Question 10: What Is Your Favorite Book?

Why they're asking this: This question is designed to help schools learn more about your interests.
Colleges also probably want to make sure that you actually read books.

What they're looking for: Don't limit your answer to the name of a book; think about why you like the
book so much. How did it inspire you? Did a particular character resonate with you? Did you learn
something from this book that influenced your opinions or behavior? Did this book help shape your
perspective or values?

How to prepare: Really think about books you've read that you connected with and why. I've also seen
similar questions asking about a news article you recently read, so try to stay up to date with the news,
too!

Question 11: Why Do You Want to Go to College?

Why they're asking this: For this question, schools are trying to understand why you're motivated to
pursue higher education.

What they're looking for: Colleges want to see you have clear goals you're trying to accomplish by
attending college. Obviously, they don't want to hear that you want to go to college because your
parents are making you or so you can attend wild parties. In your answer, emphasize how college will
allow you to pursue your passions, aid in your personal development, and enable you to fulfill your
future goals. Be specific. What are your passions and goals? How will college give you an opportunity to
pursue these passions? What college activities will increase your awareness and facilitate your
intellectual and emotional growth?

How to prepare: For ideas, check out the pros in my article about if you should go to college.

Question 12: What Do You Like to Do for Fun?

Why they're asking this: This question is designed to get a better sense of your general interests and
overall personality.

What they're looking for: Your answer doesn't only have to include activities that are academic. After
all, you probably wouldn't be believed if you said all you do for fun is read science textbooks and do
math problems. If some of what you do for fun is intellectual, though, explain why you find these
activities fun. Finally, try to avoid general answers such as "hang out with friends."

How to prepare: You shouldn't have to prepare much for this question since I assume you already know
what you like to do for fun. However, spend some time thinking about why you enjoy these activities.

Question 13: What Is an Obstacle You've Faced and How Did You Get Through It?

Why they're asking this: Colleges want to know if you've faced (and overcome) any significant
challenges in your life. They also want to see that you're persistent and willing to work hard in order to
overcome these obstacles.
What they're looking for: It's fine if you haven't had some awful, incredibly difficult obstacle in your life.
Think of a time when you faced a problem that challenged you, and you put in a lot of effort to solve it.
Your obstacle could be related to your home life, school, or an extracurricular activity. In your response,
explain how the obstacle challenged you and emphasize what exactly you did to overcome it.

How to prepare: Think of a significant challenge you've had in your life and how you dealt with it. What
did you learn from the problem? How did you solve it? Did it change or influence the way you address
similar problems?

Question 14: What Makes You Unique?

Why they're asking this: This question is essentially what all the other questions above are meant to
determine. It's another general question that's often difficult to answer. We are all unique, but it can be
hard to put into words exactly what separates you from other people.

What they're looking for: Schools ask this question because they want to get to know you better. You
can discuss a trait or multiple traits you possess. Give examples and stories that demonstrate these
qualities. Do you have any uncommon interests or goals? Is your background very unique?

How to prepare: I recommend doing some serious brainstorming to address this question. Write out
specific attributes and anecdotes you can share that demonstrate your uniqueness. When do you feel
most comfortable? What makes you the proudest?

How to Prepare for College Interview Questions

For each of these questions, I recommend jotting down some notes so that you can remember key
points or details. Don't try to completely write out your answers and memorize them. The way you
speak in an interview is supposed to appear conversational and not rehearsed. Also, if you try to
memorize your answers and forget your script during the interview, you'll end up looking confused and
unsure of yourself.

Practice your responses by having somebody ask you these questions and then answering them as if you
were actually in the interview. Remember that you want to be as specific and detailed as possible. Learn
to separate yourself from all the other applicants being interviewed.

For some of these questions, it'll be helpful to review your personal statement. Your personal statement
likely has some details or stories you can incorporate into some of your answers.

How Do You Answer Questions You Didn't Prepare For?

Undoubtedly, the questions above aren't the only possible interview questions. Regardless of how much
you prepare, you'll almost definitely be asked a question you weren't expecting. There's no need to be
too nervous, though. Just try to give honest, detailed answers. As long as you're thoughtful and
professional, you shouldn't worry too much about surprise questions.
Also, you might be able to incorporate some details from the other questions you prepared for in your
responses. For example, for any question related to academics, you could probably include details from
your response to the question, "What are your academic strengths?"

If you want to get more comfortable with the interview process, have a friend or parent ask you
questions about yourself, and respond as if you were in the interview. This is an excellent way to
prepare you for the real deal and will give you more confidence.

What's Next?

Still feeling nervous? Check out our guide to the best tools to help you prepare for your interview, so
you can feel confident going in.

College interviews also give you the opportunity to ask questions. Make sure you ask the right questions
during your interview.

If your goal is to get into one of the most selective colleges, check out our popular post on how to get
into Harvard and the Ivy League.

As you navigate the college selection process, it's important to know how to choose a college.

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for
each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download
it for free now:

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

this is my first ever college interview and im really nervous. how do you cope with anxiety in interviews?

Hey, Cheyanne!

That's a good question. One way you can tame those interview butterflies is by preparing. That way, you
feel confident on the big day! (But don't worry: some anxiety is totally, completely normal when you're
interviewing, too.)

Why not check out this article that walks you through some of the tools you can use to get ready for
college interviews? https://blog.prepscholar.com/best-books-tools-to-prepare-for-your-college-
interview
https://www.signupgenius.com/college/interview-questions-to-expect.cfm

40 College Interview Questions Students Should Expect

The college interview gives potential students a chance to make a good first impression with an
admissions counselor or alumni member — and can be an important part of the admissions process.
Prepare by browsing these 40 questions you’re likely to get asked — and get tips for how to approach
your answers.

Why [insert college/university]?

A classic question. For this one, it’s important that you do your research in advance and connect the
benefits of the school to your own talents. Do you love drama? See if the school has a performing arts
program, a famous class or a theater troupe you’d like to be involved in that you could talk about. What
about biology? Check out the school’s reputation, research studies that interest you or professors who
you’d like to learn from.

Why do you want to major in [insert major]?

If you have an anecdote about why you want to specialize in a particular area of study, this is a great
time to talk about it. If you know what career you want to go into, talk about that for a bit and why you
think you are suited to the field. Above all else, don’t say you decided because someone else told you to
(i.e., your parents), because you just had to pick one or because it will make you money.

Where do you hope to be in 10 years?

If you have a desired career path, you can discuss that some, but if you’re not sure what to talk about,
go with what you hope to have gained from the college experience when you are an adult or the kind of
person you hope to be. For example, “In 10 years, I hope to be a wiser and more empathetic person
because I have interacted with people from a variety of backgrounds and learned from their
experiences.”

What have you read recently that has impacted or changed how you saw the world?

This is a great question to make sure you have thought about beforehand. Try to steer away from both
popular teen books (like Harry Potter) or common high school English curriculum (like Romeo and Juliet).
Be sure to pick a book (or article, blog post, tweet — as long as it’s meaningful or substantial) that you
actually enjoyed and connect it to what hit home the most about it.

Tell me about a time when you had to work as part of a team.

Try to think of something outside a basic school group project. Explain how you used your skills in a
sports team, club, part-time job or your family to solve a problem or address an issue. Make sure to
include what you learned from the process.

What strengths will you bring to the university?

With this question, don’t be vague, and don’t get cliché. Say a characteristic, and be prepared with a
back-up story of how you used this gift to help others. Try not to be self-deprecating or cocky — just be
honest. What are you good at? How have you used it?

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?

With this question, it’s probably best not to go to either extreme: spending it all or giving it all away.
They’re cliché and will sound insincere. Personalize it to your talents and interests. Are you passionate
about social justice? Find a few nonprofits that you would donate some of the money to. Does your
school lack a resource (computers, programs)? Use the money to fund a club you’d be interested in.

What do you think about [recent current event]?

This question can quickly get touchy. Many students will use this as an opportunity to defend their
political leaning, but what the university really wants to know is if you are informed and can think
critically about the world around you. Feel free to express your opinions, but try not to get accusatory.
Instead, connect the event to your identity and experiences or talk about an organization that you
believe is doing great work to fix or address the problem.

What extracurricular activities are you involved in?

The most important thing to remember for this question is DON’T JUST LIST! Mention what you do, but
then narrow it down. Use most of your time to talk about a specific memory, what that activity has
meant to you or what you’ve learned from participating in that sport/club.

What is an area of weakness for you in school and how have you overcome it?

Think about this ahead of time, and pick a specific weakness. Be sure to detail in your answer how you
have compensated for this weakness, with specific examples in mind. For example, if you are a poor
essay writer, talk about how you plan ahead and ask for peer editing in order to ensure that you submit
your best work. If pre-calculus isn’t your thing, explain how you sought after-school help from your
teacher and raised your grade throughout the year.

Who do you consider a role model in your personal life?

When answering this question, it is far better if you can think of an example of someone close to you,
like a parent, rather than a vague historical figure or celebrity. With personal figures, it will be easier to
pull from specific examples detailing something they’ve taught you.

What makes you different from other students?

Spend some time before the interview thinking about your unique perspective. What makes your family
different from other families? What would catch other people off guard if they knew? Take this
opportunity to talk about the diversity you could bring to the university, what interests you and what
things you want to do with your life. Just be genuine!
Are you looking at other schools as well? Which ones?

This can be an uncomfortable question, and you can really only answer it one way: honestly. However,
if you are applying to a rival, be sure to mention it — it’s actually better and could make the school more
interested in you.

Would you like to ask me any questions?

Be sure to research the school in advance and prepare questions for your interviewer. If you can,
research them on a platform like LinkedIn. However, the best questions you can ask are about the
school: its climate, what their experience was like, what they would recommend new students know,
etc.

Tell me three things that aren’t on your college application.

Get creative with this question! Talk about what you love, what you’re passionate about or even a
funny family anecdote. Just be yourself — your interviewer wants you to be more than just another
application and is giving you a chance to stand out.

Where do you feel at home?

Again, this answer can be whatever you want it to be. Try to stay away from your actual home, unless
it’s specific (e.g., I love my living room at Christmastime), and think about a place that you feel most like
yourself. Describe who you are in that space and why it makes you feel so safe.

Give me a quick description of yourself, as if I knew nothing about you.

With this question, your interviewer doesn’t need to know your test scores, GPA or list of
extracurricular activities. They want to know the things that you like to do when you aren’t doing all of
that, what your family is like, what music you like. Be quick and specific!

What subject was the hardest for you in high school?

Don’t pick a subject and complain about how the teacher was bad or the class was boring. Instead, talk
more conceptually, and make sure to explain how, even though the class was hard for you, you learned
specific new skills from taking it.

Talk about a time where you had to be a leader.

For this story, the subtler, the better. You can talk about a time that you led your family or recognized a
need in your student organization and offered to fix it. Leadership qualities are often found in small acts
of service rather than large public speeches or a fancy event that you pulled off. Instead, talk about how
you stepped up in a specific difficult situation.

If you could describe your role within your family/friend group, how would you describe it?
 If you get this question, think about the good qualities you bring to these groups. Stay away from words
with multiple connotations. If you’re the “crazy” one in your family, wording it like “I bring spontaneity
to my family” can sound more positive and give your interviewer a better impression.

If you had a free day without homework or school, how would you spend it?

If you get a question like this, it’s important to be specific. Even if you would use part of the day to
sleep, make sure to include other activities that you enjoy. This question is essentially a chance to show
the interviewer your interests and hobbies that might not fit on a typical college application, like cooking
with your mom or painting.

If you could explain one weakness in your college application, what would you pick and why?

This question is an opportunity to explain in person the weaknesses in your application that are the
product of something outside of your control, like a family member’s passing or test anxiety. One thing
to be sure of while answering is that your explanation owns your own role in the issue. Don’t throw
yourself a pity party or fail to accept personal responsibility.

How are you planning on spending your summer?

This is another opportunity to talk about something that won’t be on your college application. Feel free
to talk about vacations, jobs or even mission trips you’re planning on. Even if you aren’t sure yet, it’s OK
to outline your options and hopes. Your interviewer is just trying to figure out who you are and what you
like to do.

What’s one of your talents?

What do you feel really great at? What is a joy to do? Is it a sport or instrument? Is it singing or playing
chess? Talk about it! Your interviewer will be able to sense your passion and happiness. You’re always
fun to talk to when you’re talking about something you enjoy.

What does being successful look like to you?

This might be obvious, but “making a lot of money” is probably not the best answer. Talk about the
person you’d like to become and the things you’d like to accomplish, but try to stay away from cliché or
vague answers.

If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose?

Spend some time thinking about your answer to questions like this before your interview. You’ll get
bonus points if you choose someone who isn’t a stereotypical answer to this question (like a former
president). To go the extra mile, try thinking of a few questions that you’d like to ask your chosen person
to help explain why you’ve made that choice.

If you were dealing with [current event at university] what would you do?
 This is why it’s important to do your research on the school before your interview — not just on
statistics, but on what’s going on in the university at large. Being able to comment on current events
regarding the university will show that you cared enough to spend time doing your research.

What was a favorite high school experience of yours?

From prom to a school musical, any significant moment will work for this — just make sure to connect it
to an aspect of your personal growth or explain why it was so significant to you.

Tell me about something you’ve accomplished in high school that you are really proud of.

If your school has a large senior exit project, this is a great place to talk about it, especially if you were
able to tailor it to your interests. If not, talk about an event you led, an initiative you pioneered at your
school or even a personal achievement in athletics/extracurriculars that you are proud of.

What is the most important skill you will walk away from high school with?

For this question, don’t say something vague like “empathy.” Instead, say something like “learning to
communicate with others,” and give a concrete example of a time when you didn’t have this skill and
how you learned from it the importance of said skill.

If you could change one thing about your current school environment, what would it be?

The key to answering this question is spending more time talking about your proposed solution than
complaining about the problem you choose. Additionally, choose a true issue, rather than something
that won’t ever be changed. For example, choose needing more student council funding over something
like the school day being long.

Why should we admit you to [college/university]?

This question can feel uncomfortable and narcissistic, but don’t be afraid! Highlight three areas: your
grades, your extracurricular activities and who you are as a person that reflects the values of the
university at large.

What was your New Year’s Resolution this year?

This shows your interviewer what areas of improvement you’re focused on and also your diligence in
setting and keeping goals. If you didn’t make a resolution, answer, “I didn’t have one this year, but
something I’m continually focused on growing in is [insert topic here].”

In the classroom, what type of student are you?

Don’t be ashamed to own up, even if you’re the constant note scribbler or question asker. Being honest
will help the interviewer know more about your personality and learning style.

What do you think are the characteristics of a great leader?

 When answering this question, it would be wise to draw on an example of a leader you admire in order
to keep your answer concise and structured. Name characteristics you think make them a great leader.

If you were the Dean of [college/university] what would you change?

Another question where you need to have done your research! Just like what you’d change about your
high school, make sure you don’t spend too much time complaining about the problem, and focus more
on solving the issue.

Do you keep a journal? If not, how do you tend to process large events?

How you process can say a lot about the way your brain works. Whether you talk about internally or
externally processing through an activity, detail how you make decisions and know that the interviewer
isn’t looking for one right or wrong answer.

Have you ever had to do something that was the right thing but made you unpopular? If so, what was
it and how did you do it?

Try to think of an example before you get to the interview so you aren’t scrambling. Don’t point fingers
or get upset retelling the story, simply explain what happened and focus on the solution over the
problem.

How have you bounced back from an academic mistake?

The people who thrive in college are those who can learn from their mistakes to do better the next
time. Specify a mistake you made, and then explain how you implemented a strategy so it wouldn’t
happen again.

What specifically about [college/university] convinced you to apply?

This is a good opportunity to talk about your campus tour, if you have been on one, and connect with
the interviewer about places on campus or the school’s reputation since he/she is probably a fan of their
alma mater. Above all else, be honest and be yourself during your interviews. The college application
process can be stressful, but at the end of the day, you’ll end up at the perfect home for you!
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/college-interview-questions-to-prepare-for

HOW WILL ATTENDING THIS INSTITUTION HELP YOU REACH YOUR ACADEMIC OR CAREER GOALS?

What do you think are the benefits of an education from this school?

Without telling me your GPA, what do your transcripts say about you as a student?

Does your academic history reflect the type of student you hope to be at this school?

If you could change one thing about your past education in high school or college, what would it be and
why?

What do you think is the most important thing to consider when deciding where to attend college?

What kind of school are you looking for?

What are you hoping to get out of your college experience?

What are your academic interests or potential areas of study?

What activities are you hoping to be involved in, either continuing from high school or trying new?
https://blog.collegevine.com/15-major-college-interview-questions-to-prepare-for/

1. Tell me about yourself.

For this prompt, you’ll want to emphasize unique interests and goals and how you’ve engaged in and
out of the classroom. Try to tie your interests to the college; for example, if you’re a musician, describe a
music-based extracurricular you’d like to pursue.

Avoid topics unrelated to your education or extracurriculars that don’t inform the college about what
kind of student you’ll be and how you’ll fit in. For example, you should steer clear of discussing
relationships or friendships.

2. What are three adjectives that describe you?

Make sure you come up with three adjectives; otherwise you’re not actually answering the question.
Avoid generic ones like intelligent and ambitious, as well as words you wouldn’t use in everyday
language, such as effervescent. Strike a balance that shows that you have a good vocabulary without
showing off. “Perseverant” is a good example of this.

3. Why do you want to attend this college?

Again, avoid generic attributes, such as the size, location, and prestige of the college. Instead, focus on
specific attributes, including programs and activities. You might, for instance, discuss how the school has
a strong international studies major and study abroad program.

4. What’s a book you’ve read recently?

Choose one with some literary merit if you select a novel; it’s best to steer clear of chick lit, thrillers,
romance, and other genre fiction. Don’t just name the book; describe it as well. The interviewer wants
to know that you engage in intellectual activities like reading and are able to process and present the
information in a meaningful, engaging way.

5. Describe a challenge you’ve overcome. How did you do it?

Colleges want students who have faced obstacles and persevered. This shows strength, informing them
that you will be able to confront and overcome challenges in college.

You don’t need to have faced a life-threatening ordeal (though if you have, this is a good time to
explain); you could also discuss a difficult class, a personal challenge (nothing TMI, though; don’t talk
about a breakup, but you could discuss an illness in the family). Remember to focus more on what you
did to confront the challenge than the incident itself, while still providing a short synopsis of the issue so
that the interviewer understands the context.

6. What are your biggest strengths?

It’s okay to brag a little here, just try to avoid coming off as conceited. Once again, steer clear of generic
response such as noting that you’re intelligent and hardworking. Instead, focus on unique attributes–
ones that show how you’ll be a good student. This is similar to the three-adjectives question; you
probably won’t get both questions in one interview.

7. What are your biggest weaknesses?

There’s a such thing as too honest—you want to avoid saying you have trouble showing up on time, for
instance. Alternatively, you might discuss a weakness you’re working on improving. This is an honest
response that shows how you’ve overcome challenges and work hard to prevent them from getting the
better of you. Come prepared with examples and anecdotes to illustrate your response. For example,
you might discuss how you overcommitted to too many extracurriculars in the past but have been
improving your prioritization and organization skills so that you can tackle all your responsibilities.

8. If you could live in a historical period other than this one, when would it be?
This is an opportunity to show off your creativity—as well as your knowledge of history. The why is more
important than the what here. In other words, it doesn’t so much matter to the interviewer that the
1960s seem cool to you as why they do. You might, for example, explain that you want the opportunity
to effect change like the college students at Berkeley in the 60s did.

9. What is your prospective major and why?

Your interviewer wants to see that you take your education and future seriously. The major you choose
isn’t set in stone, but you should be able to present a well-reasoned, thoughtful response. That will
indicate that you’re aware of your strengths and have direction.

10. Who is your role model?

The person who inspires you reveals a lot about your values and what you aspire to be and do. You
should choose someone who has influenced your goals, like a mentor.

11. Where do you want to be in 10 years?

Colleges want students who are ambitious. You should describe your goals beyond academic ambitions,
but incorporate your career into your response as well. Be detailed and explore why you hope to do
these things. For example, if you want to be a doctor, don’t just say you want to be in your residency in
10 years: go into the specialty, why you’re choosing that path, and what leads you there.

12. What do you like to do outside of school?

Your response doesn’t need to be limited to application-worthy extracurriculars here; instead, convey
your personality through your activities. Try to steer clear of bland or typical response such as spending
time with your friends and family. Instead, you might discuss how you play piano, even if you don’t
perform, or run daily, even if you don’t compete.

13. What makes you unique?

You should approach this question in a similar way to the adjectives and strengths questions. Don’t
attempt a joke response unless you can immediately follow it up with a real one. Try to offer a strength
that’s something you don’t see in a lot of other people.
14. What’s one project or experience you particularly enjoyed in high school?
This question helps colleges show whether you’ll fit in at the college. Focus on the story here—what was
the project, how did you approach it, why did you do what you did, and what makes it memorable?

15. Do you have any questions for me?

Don’t leave this question unanswered. It shows the interviewer that you’re curious and engaged. If you
can develop questions during the interview, this is the best-case scenario; that shows you’re interested
and paying attention. Still, you should come prepared with a few questions to ask just in case.

Tips for Your College Interview

Research the college. Your interviewer will notice if you don’t seem to know much about the school. You
don’t want to, for example, ask questions that have answers easily found on the website.

Practice. Practice your responses to these common questions with a family member, teacher, or friend,
and ask for feedback. Don’t practice so much that you sound over-rehearsed, but do it just enough times
so that you’re comfortable and know the main points you want to hit.

Arrive early. Try to get there 15-20 minutes early, accounting for traffic or delays in public transit. If
you’re late, you’ll come across as rude and bad at planning, which doesn’t make you look good as an
admissions candidate.

Follow up with a thank-you note or email. This is good etiquette that demonstrates both that you’re
polite and invested in the college.

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